Crown Paints has been put on the market with a price tag of over £100 million. The company, which is based in Darwen, Lancashire and is 233 years old, has been put up for sale to explore their ‘strategic options’. Bosses appointed Deloitte, based in Manchester, to review their options.

Crown have recently revealed that they are on course for profits of £20 million on sales of £180 million. They have increased their market share from 17% to 19% in the last year.

Group chief executive Brian Davidson said last week “We have a clear strategy for growth and are confident that Crown Paints will continue to thrive despite the economic backdrop.”